DiBella accepts position as executive director of Florida Harbor Pilots Association

October 21, 2019

Editor’s Note: Laura DiBella has served our  county well during her five years as executive director of the Nassau County Economic Development Board, and over the last year as port director for the Ocean Highway and Port Authority.  We congratulate Laura on her new position and we extend our thanks for her service to our community.

Resignation letters were sent to Randy Knagge, Chairman of the Nassau County Economic Development Board, and Robert Sturgess, Chairman of the Ocean Highway and Port Authority Board on October 19.

DiBella writes:

“As a person who is rarely at a loss for words, I struggled to put my thoughts on paper when writing this letter to you.  After much thought, consideration and reflection, I am tendering my resignation . . . . . . .  as an opportunity was presented to me that I simply could not pass up.

I was offered and have accepted the Executive Director position for the Florida Harbor Pilots Association (FHPA), a Tallahassee-based, statewide entity that has been in existence since 1868.  FHPA represents 11 member associations throughout Florida that comprise of just under 100 expert state-regulated and licensed mariners who play a crucial and often overlooked role in the economic development equation, in addition to, the safety and protection of our coastal environments.  Despite their long and well-established history in the state of Florida, FHPA has never employed a full-time executive director to operate and advocate on their behalf – until now.  Similar to when I was approached about the NCEDB position, I feel that this is an opportunity that was designed for my skill set and, therefore, one that I must pursue.

There will never be an ideal time for me to make a transition, especially after the past five years . . . . .  which have been nothing short of amazing.   I am, however, hoping that now, with the momentum high, the onset of our new fiscal year, the upcoming holiday season, as well as, 2020 calendar year, may be the best time for me to exit for the better good of the organization.  I will stay on for as long as you need me in whatever capacity in order to see through a fluid transition  given the understanding that I will, . . . . . . in large part, be working remotely from my new home in Tallahassee.

We have an incredible thing going here in Nassau County, a situation that is chock full of opportunities that so many envy and wish to experience even a fraction of.  An environment that thrives on conflict is not healthy for anyone at home, at work and for economic development as a whole.  I pray that everyone will come to realize just how critical the timing is to come together in a civil and unified front as one county – One Nassau.

I thank you  . . . . . . for the opportunity to serve in the greatest capacity that I could ever ask for.  I will forever think fondly of this experience and wish everyone the best of success as you charge ahead into the future.”

Fair Winds,

Laura DiBella
Executive Director